MacGregorSailors.com

I'm going to check out and possibly purchase a 2004 26M this weekend and was wondering if anybody on the forum has some tips on what to look for when checking out a used 26M.

50hp Honda
trailer
spare tire
genoa
mainsail with slides and cover
CDI FF2 system
steering linkage bar
boom vang
marine head
seat back cushions
cabin table
cockpit seat cushions
swim ladder
halyard led back to cockpit
VHF
masthead mounted antenna
barrier coat and bottom paint
shore power
compass depth and speed
12v power sockets
2nd battery with switch
12v faucett
upgraded winches
decklight and masthead light

sorry about some of the abbreviations .. i couldn't post with some of the descriptions I was using.

They want 28k for the boat .. it was purchased from the marina, serviced by them and has never left the fresh water lake except for winter storage.

Since this will be my first boat any help would be greatly appreciated.

Id include looking closely in the bilge areas for leaks, before and after motoring and sailing the vessel.
If there is a log book, or any records of maintenance, that should be looked at closely.

In my opinion, there shouldnt be too much of a problem with a 2004 Mac. Thats fairly new.

I always like to address the "wiggle" room in a purchase price, too. Amazing what happens at offers, counter offers, etc.

Hope you make a great deal

Newbie Soon to Purchase - Hints?

you might want to read over the above thread, it appeared pretty much on target for what you want with some helpful lists. I found that thread by Searching on the words checklist buying, and then clicking the "all terms" radio button.


ModEdit: to clarify the Search instructions; tangent provides a good example of how careful choice of search terms yields results; when reading links, watch also for further links to other discussions. ~fc

Look at the tires and make sure the surge brakes work. Maybe spin the wheels if possible and listen for bearing noise.

I would be sure to have the motor checked out by a third party mechanic. Being a Honda there is a high probability there is nothing wrong but it would definately not hurt to have someone take a close look at. You never know what kind of abuse this motor may have seen. To have to replace a motor down the road would definately sour your taste for boat ownership!

Being in the water, it would probably not hurt to have the boat surveyed by a professional. Not sure the availability of a surveyor at your location, but one I would think would be definately worth the expense if available and competent. At a minimum they may find things that could help you negotiate a better price or be required to be repaired before the transaction is complete. They should provide you an idea of the hull condition below the water line.

Good luck with your purchase and enjoy!

If it's in the water you could take a dive with a mask and look at the daggerboard. If it's on the trailer, shine a flashlight down the daggerboard well from the top to inspect it.

Daniel

Just wanted to thank everyone for their help, all of your comments came in very handy .. I checked out three 2004's and ended up buying the one that was second on my list .. my first choice turned out to be in pretty rough shape .. it was apparent that maintenance was not first on the previous owners mind .. the one I purchased had very low hours on it and was maintained every year by the marina .. the previous owner used it quite a bit the first season .. second season didn't use it at all but had it serviced anyway and this season has only been on it 2 or 3 times. This boat has all the options the others had except it only has a single battery .. I would like to add the two battery option with the switch .. is this a hard mod to do yourself?

cpost,

Congrats on the new boat. The battery switch mod is actually quite simple. If you get the perko ( big red switch ) like I see on almost all boat pictues, it is just a matter of having a hole saw, drill bit, screwdriver. The instructions have great diagrams too. I think some have even hidden them away not wanting to drill a hole. I seem to remember the switch has an opening at the bottom to run cables through for this type setup. So at least you have a couple options there.

cpost wrote: .. the one I purchased had very low hours on it and was maintained every year by the marina .. .. I would like to add the two battery option with the switch .. is this a hard mod to do yourself?

Congrats on the new boat, and Welcome aboard~! Please add your boat/motor info to the 'location field' in your Profile ... helping others to understand your posts, or questions. You can gain lots of background info regarding dual batteries by searching our archives.

The Search button is top-center of every Forum page. A search on combiner perko (click the 'all terms' button) reveals 5 pretty good discussions. Prior threads will frequently include links to yet other threads, so you might easily spend an hour on reading. If other questions arise, feel free to tag them onto those threads, or begin a new one.

My 2004 M came with the two battery setup. Besides getting the switch (which is simple to set up) you will need to fasten both batteries in tight. I have a two strap setup that bolts aft of where the batteries sit and ties them in tight. When you get two patteries in there, it is a VERY tight workspace. You do need to secure them very well or you will have batteries sliding when you tack.

Here is my setup. Red is positive, Black is negative

My standard "what should i look for on a used Mac" response:

1.) Motors cost a LOT (1/3 of the entire rig's cost) and can have expensive "issues". Make sure it works, and that it works smoothly in all power ranges, and save yourself the headaches of old carburetor technology and get a fuel injected one. (IE, non-Honda.)

2.) IMHO surveyors can be worthwhile, but they often are not motor specialists and besides, this is a pretty new bot which is a very simply assembled boat. Most folks skip 'em. Mine was 10 so I used a surveyor. If it has lived on a trailer all it's (short) life it's probably fine as far as condition goes. A live test motoring and under sail is the best thing to do to see how everything goes together and how well they function. Batteries, water systems, extra electronics are "icing" and also maintenance items, you can go simple or fancy as you care to spend money and time. Macs are a blank slate kind of boat. A good sea trial in invaluable. You wouldn't buy an aircraft or a car without a test, right? They need to know you're serious, but if noone wants to take you out... proceed to the next boat. There are many boats.

3.) You need a winching type mast raiser. This is invaluable, the best improvement on my boat by far. I can single person rig with mine without incurring chiropractic bills. It can be added later though.

4.) Trailers suffer a lot more in salt water, and the older all steel ones tend to wear more quickly than the boat itself. Check tires, brakes, springs, bolts for corrosion. Lack of maintenance often shows here first. They can be fixed but it's a whole thing, so start out with as good a trailer as you can get.

About everything else is just options and personal preference.

Good hunting!

A four year old boat should probably be in the low 20s I think?? You could check the classifieds here to gauge this..

RandyMoon wrote:My 2004 M came with the two battery setup. Besides getting the switch (which is simple to set up) you will need to fasten both batteries in tight. I have a two strap setup that bolts aft of where the batteries sit and ties them in tight. When you get two patteries in there, it is a VERY tight workspace. You do need to secure them very well or you will have batteries sliding when you tack.

Here is my setup. Red is positive, Black is negative

A simple safety idea I would like to add it to rotate one batery in such a way that both neg are side by side. If you connect them in parallel and you drop a conductive part the risk of shorting the batteries is now way lower.

1) The price is WAY too much.
2) Save your $$ and buy a traditional style sail-boat - trust me - you will not like the Mac. I owned a 2005 26M and had nothing but problems with it. The boat is tender and very slow. The construction quality is below poor.
3) If you are set on a trailerable boat - buy a late model Catalina 22' - You will be much, much happier with it..
Woops - you bought one!! Sorry - I should have posted this earlier.

boats are like wives, love what you have and lust after the rest. Or change regularly and just expect them to cost a lot. We currently have 4 sailboats and 28,27,26 and 12 feet between my 2 sons and I and a bad day on anyone of them is still better than a good day in Idaho.